Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1286 in DVD
• Released on: 2005-03-21
• Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 99 minutes

Synopsis
Based on the novella by William Trevor, MY HOUSE IN UMBRIA is set in the sprawling Italian countryside. After a tragic train accident, four survivors find solace in the villa of an English writer, Mrs. Delahunty (Maggie Smith). The other survivors--an American girl (Emmy Clarke), a British general (Ronnie Barker), and a young German (Benno Furmann)--struggle to come to terms with the disaster, as an inspector (Giancarlo Giannini) tries to figure out exactly what happened. Eventually, the young girl's uncle (Chris Cooper) shows up, bringing the film to a climax.

Customer Reviews

Easy viewing
I'm not usually fond of films I regard as claustrophobic - limited number of characters cooped up together in an unchanging location - however, this started on TV, I was too lazy to change channels and as the story moved along I got hooked and watched it right through. To my surprise I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a gentle, unobtrusive film which was relaxing to watch after a hectic day's work. The only thing that put my teeth on edge was Timothy Spall's would-be Irish accent. The reviewer who thought it was OK should have the old ears seen to! As an Irish person I sometimes wish that they wouldn't bother with Irish characters in films at all if non-Irish actors are playing them. It can be too cringe-making. However, that didn't stop me from buying the DVD.

Truly wonderful
Wonderful film and wonderful acting, great scenery. Not a film for those that like 'crash, bang, wallop' - except for a scene near the beginning that will knock your socks off if you listen to it in 5:1 sound! The two negative reviewers that refer to 'dream sequences' and 'black and white flashbacks' have obviously completely missed the point as the film contains neither!! You do actually have to think a bit to watch films of this calibre. The acting IS great, Maggie Smith in particular proving the rich variety of her acting skills, but all the cast are good.

Funny and sweet
Dame Maggie Smith doesn't disappoint as usual. I have yet to see a film with her that will let me down. Beautiful Italian scenery, great actors, well put together.